The Qatar Chess Association (QCA) concluded Doha Open blitz and rapid chess tournament held at the Hyatt Plaza Mall, drawing the participation of approximately 120 players from across the region. The event, which aimed to promote chess culture within the community, witnessed intense competition and the emergence of both established and rising talents.
In the highly anticipated nine-round Swiss-style blitz competition, International Grandmaster Victor Bologan of Moldova demonstrated his prowess, securing first place. He was closely followed by Qatari national team stalwart and former world champion contender Jo Chen, who claimed the second position.
Rounding out the top three was Johan Jobsy.
The Best Qatari Player award in the blitz category was presented to Irfan Mohammed, while Layan Al-Qassabi was recognized as the Best Qatari Female Player. The Best Qatari Under-20 Player award went to Gerbi.
The Under-16 category, featuring 100 players, showcased a seven-round rapid chess format. Here, Qatari player Irfan Mohammed once again distinguished himself, clinching the first-place title. Indian players dominated the subsequent positions, with Paranav Pardeep securing second place, followed by his compatriots Ayyappan Ashwath Narayanan in third and Apil Sajan in fourth. Mohammed Jarbi earned the Best Qatari Player award in this category, while Rawda Al-Qassabi was named the Best Qatari Female Player. Further accolades were given to young Qatari talents: Turki Bawazir (Best Qatari Player under 14), Lujain Al-Fahdawi (Best Qatari Female Player under 12), Khaled Al-Ziyara (Best Qatari Player under 10), and Abdulaziz Al-Mahasneh (Best Qatari Player under 8).
Adding to the diverse accolades, India's Apil Sajan was recognized as the Best Player overall in the Under-16 rapid section, while Sunil Kurup received the award for Best Player from the QCF Training Centers.
Hamad al-Tamimi, Executive Director of the Qatar Chess Federation, expressed his satisfaction with the tournament's success and the high level of engagement from the participants. He highlighted Irfan Mohammed's impressive victory in the Rapid Chess Championship as a significant achievement for Qatari chess. Al-Tamimi emphasized the strategic partnership with Hyatt Plaza Mall, stating that hosting such events in popular venues is crucial for expanding the reach of chess.
He further revealed the Federation's ongoing efforts to collaborate with various shopping malls to promote the game, particularly as Qatar prepares to host the prestigious World Cup later this year. Al-Tamimi also commended the strong performance of the Qatari national team players, underscoring the Federation's commitment to providing them with valuable experience and competitive opportunities in preparation for future international events.
